Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

About me

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt currently serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the College of Health Care Professions based in Houston, Texas. Prior to this post he worked as an e-Learning consultant for companies across the USA. His primary research focus over the past four years has been the development of online learning Engagement Metrics. Dr. Vaillancourt’s 27 years of service in education includes multiple levels of experience in both private and public educational institutions. His professional positions include Online Campus President for Virginia College, National Dean of ITT's Online Division, Director of Education for Ultimate Medical Academy, President of a two-campus allied health college in Utah, Certified Cisco Academy Instructor, Master Certified Novell Instructor, and K-12 public school science teacher.

Dr. Vaillancourt’s BS and MS in Education were earned from Samford University in 1983 and 1989, respectively. He completed his Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University in May 2004. Dr. Vaillancourt designed, founded and chaired the non-profit National Math Bee (2006-2011), which provided an online learning community for over 15,000 elementary school mathematics students in 37 states across the country. He was a US Army soldier prior to his career in education.

Activity

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Dani, Many intelligences have been identified. Verbal intelligence, based on context, could be critical in your line of work. Very good point. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

Dani, I believe you are correct in a very important way. However, reasoning must have at least a foundation of objectivity (concrete right wrong) in order for it to be reasoning. I'm not sure if you're familiar with Mark Twain's quote on common sense, but it also had some validity in a very important way. But I do see your point, that the most direct cognitive route often bring this to sensible conclusions and intuitively is self preserving. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Dani, It is, no doubt, a tough exercise. I contend that most of us continue to "work on it." Hang in there. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Dani, This is a good description of the characteristics as a brief overview. However, dissecting the information into secondary/contextual (which is still important) and primary/central is another key. I agree it often develops with maturity and sometimes that is seen as developing with the discipline to focus effort, since critical thinking requires effort and discipline. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

William, This is terrific! Actually requiring and guiding students to think reflectively is so rare in today's fast-paced, get to the right answer society. I'm sure many of the students find this activity very valuable, not only in what they find during the activity, but in the establishment of a process they will find valuable in the future. Very nice. Thanks for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

William, The case-based format provides an excellent backdrop for learning all details, terminology and content of the real world environment. Making sure that the students stay on the path of the journey is one of the primary roles of the facilitator. Shortcuts to the "right answer" can omit a large part of the learning experience required to properly prepare the student for their career path. Excellent insights. Thank you for your contribution. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Matt, The additional asynchronous activities often added to the task list and time commitment of the instructor. However, do those tasks replace activities that would occur during the normal face-to-face class sessions? If so, does this mean the overall responsibilities are the same but the tasks to accomplish them may be more demanding in the online environment? Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Matt, This is also a very good approach. When students can feel their situation is not unusual and that answers are available they are much more likely to continue their efforts. Reinforcing the idea of a learning community will often give the student the social support needed to succeed. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Eryn, Using this as a learning opportunity for the student is a great approach. Allowing them to see the depth of the course content may help win over the sincere objection. If the student is simply creating obstacles to complain against, then this approach will certainly bear that out. Very good. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Matt, Your final statement is the key. Maintaining a respectful learning environment and not relaxing the requirements are critical responsibilities of the instructor. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt

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